8 Great ... Franchise-Ending Movies

Movie franchises rarely end well. More to the point, movie franchises rarely end. The Harry Potter films -- thanks to the unshakable template provided by J.K. Rowling’s novels -- might ultimately form a series rather than a franchise, but regardless of how they’re classified, the imminent and ostensibly final chapter is poised to remind us that even the most insanely profitable cash-cows can be put to pasture with grace.

So with franchise-ending movies on the mind, here are 8 great currently inactive franchises that last left us with something to smile about. 8 great movie chronicles that didn’t share Harry Potter’s blessedly pre-determined lifespan, and yet still managed to get out while the getting was good.

Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.